The Juvenilization of American Christianity

[Jon Bemis]

I need more of the intellect and less emotions. It is at the point now where I feel somewhat emotionally abused when I am in a church environment that pushes the emotions and neglects the intellect, as well as one that forgets that the Holy Spirit can move in a service without my body wiggling.

Me too. I saw far too much emotional manipulation in my past. Saw some again this past week at teen camp.

[George Wallace]

I frequently get emotional during the church service.

However, only takes a whiff of "now we want them weeping before the Lord here so dim the lights to xx lux and slow the music to xx% of the average heart rate and lower the volume to xx decibles" to send me running. Same with raising the lights, tempo, and volume when you want a martial air to stir a yes vote on a new building or something.

I remember being around 15-17 and our community was debating whether the proper word is propitiation or expiation, and what each of those would mean in our lives and Christian walk. This was everone over around 12 discussing and debating it.

Last time I heard either term (a year or so ago) someone had asked the pastor about it the reply was "never heard either term."

Yeah, I think we have too many doo wap sessions and not enough meat at times.

I am speechless! The pastor has never heard of either term? Seriously?

As for the discussion pertaining to propitiation and/or expiation, well the answers (to many evangelical Christians) is both.

Sorry I couldn't find this Graphic any smaller!

[Ian Gentles]

I frequently get emotional during the church service.

However, only takes a whiff of "now we want them weeping before the Lord here so dim the lights to xx lux and slow the music to xx% of the average heart rate and lower the volume to xx decibles" to send me running. Same with raising the lights, tempo, and volume when you want a martial air to stir a yes vote on a new building or something.

I remember being around 15-17 and our community was debating whether the proper word is propitiation or expiation, and what each of those would mean in our lives and Christian walk. This was everone over around 12 discussing and debating it.

Last time I heard either term (a year or so ago) someone had asked the pastor about it the reply was "never heard either term."

Yeah, I think we have too many doo wap sessions and not enough meat at times.

Wow, wonder what college that pastor attended???

[Sarah Smith]

I too agree re propitiation and expiation it is both/and. At the time two versions of the Bible were popular, one used one term and the other the other. People actually noticed the change. Today most modern versions seem to take a side and then use simpler terms rather than the "big words."

As to the college? May have been a fine one for all I know and the pastor just didn't pay attention. Or didn't want to get into the discussion and blew the guy off. I give him a bit of grace as he was trained as music minister but hired to preach.

But I would say the focus on "come have an emotional moment with us" has perhaps some unintended consequences we may not like.

[Ian Gentles]

This is nothing we have not talked about before, especially the development of what Christian Smith has famously labeled "Moralistic, Therapeutic Deism" as the cultural religion of American youth. Yet it is worthy of conversation, especially as it relates to creating environments for essential Christian discipleship and maturity.

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/...tml?paging=off

"Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"...ere what is that?

[Billy Cox]

"Moralistic Therapeutic Deism"...ere what is that?

I understand it as, "be good, feel good, anticipate that God will notice when he gets back from his long vacation." (Matt 25:14-30)

[Todd Erickson]

is it better that we feel nothing, or that we feel bad?

is it better that we are amoral, or let the state be moral for us?

What is on the other side of this line in the sand that we have a catchy name for?

[Ian Gentles]

Mmmmm dosent sound very christian to me.

[Sarah Smith]

Todd--I would advocate we focus on getting the truth published in word, song, and deed.

And let the Holy Spirit stir up good feelings, bad feelings, or no feelings depending on what He sees the individual needs.